NICEIC Case Study

The Challenge

Providing those working in the construction industry with an alternative method of training

As a high risk industry, it is essential that those working in construction have the necessary qualifications and knowledge required to work safely. Being a very project driven industry with strict deadlines, it can be hard for employees to attend training sessions during working hours.

Asad commented: “There was a definite need to provide individuals and organisations with an alternative method of training where they wouldn’t have to spend time away from work. We needed something accessible which would allow individuals to complete training around their busy work schedule.”

NICEIC recognised that they did not have the internal skills and knowledge to develop a full e-learning solution.

Asad continued: “Obviously we had the internal expertise in terms of delivering the technical course content, but our knowledge of e-learning platforms was lacking. We realised that, in order to develop a product of value to our customers, we had to draw on external expertise.”

About NICEIC

NICEIC is the UK electrical contracting industry’s largest independent voluntary body which has been assessing the electrical competence of electricians for over fifty years.

Working with over 26,000 electrical contractors nationwide, NICEIC’s aim is to drive up the standards of compliance, electrical safety and training in the industry.

Asad Majid, National Training Manager, said: “Training needs are always emerging within the electrical industry; whether it is an update or change in current legislation or simply sharing knowledge to promote best practice. NICEIC is committed to developing resources and training which enables electricians to continue their professional development.”

NICEIC began working with Virtual College in the summer of 2009 in order to provide those working in the construction industry with an alternative method of training; e-learning. By December 2009, NICEIC and Virtual College had launched the first e-learning course in the 17th Edition Wiring Regulations – a course still popular today.

Online training gives people an alternative way to gain new knowledge and understanding in order to continue to develop within their chosen career.

Tony Cable, Senior Marketing & Events Engineer at NICEIC

The Solution

NICEIC and Virtual College met in the summer of 2009 to discuss the development of electrical e-learning courses Rod Knox, CEO at Virtual College, said: “We wanted to provide individuals with a way to gain qualifications and additional knowledge in their chosen specialism without having to take time off work to accommodate study.

“As a respected body with a reputable face to face training programme already in place, we recognised that the NICEIC would be able to bring the technical expertise we required.”

Asad explained: “As an established e-learning provider, Virtual College was an obvious choice for us. The LMS allows us to store, track and monitor training and is branded in line with our partnership.”

The relationship between NICEIC and Virtual College rapidly evolved and by December that year the Construction Services e-Academy was set up to manage the sale of courses.

Asad continued: “NICEIC provide the sector expertise and content for the courses and Virtual College provide the e-learning expertise; developing the product and providing the help and support to learners.”

The Results

Since its launch in December 2009, over 2000 people have completed 17th Edition online training. The first e-learning course, 17th Edition, was launched in December 2009. By the time the NICEIC returned to work after the Christmas break, it had already seen a return on the investment.

Since January 2010, over 2000 individuals have completed the 17th Edition course. Asad said; “The success of the 17th Edition course resulted in the development of seven additional e-learning courses, ranging from inspection and testing to environmental technologies. We continually update our courses in line with changes to legislation. For example, the 17th Edition course now incorporates material covering amendment one introduced in July 2011.

“Where qualifications require individuals to complete practical training and assessment, we have developed blended learning solutions; a combination of computer and classroom based training, allowing us to reduce the amount of time individuals have to spend away from their workplace.”

The online solution has brought significant benefits to individuals and organisations.

Tony Cable, Senior Marketing & Events Engineer at NICEIC, commented: “Online training gives people an alternative way to gain new knowledge and understanding in order to continue to develop within their chosen career.”

Online training can also provide individuals and organisations with significant cost benefits. Asad continued: “There are many ways in which e-learning can bring cost savings – both directly in terms of travel and accommodation costs, and indirectly due to the fact that you don’t have to take time off work or reschedule jobs to accommodate training.

“As a company, NICEIC has managed to develop high quality cost effective solutions for its customers. Before the partnership between NICEIC and Virtual College, e-learning was a relatively new training platform for the construction industry. Today, it is possible to see a significant shift in the culture of the industry as e-learning has become a highly regarded method of study.

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